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Popular destinations for the whole nation
You'll be familiar with the following places; these might be the first destinations a young travel enthusiast visits. The reason these places are called "popular" is simply because they're close, affordable, and don't require a visa.
Thailand: HNeedless to say, Thailand would be the first place that comes to mind for most Vietnamese people. But personally, I don't want my first overseas trip to be so "ordinary." So, if you have a strong personality and want something more unique, don't just go to Bangkok; try Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, or Pai in Thailand. Of course, Bangkok is also a great option.
Singapore:As a nearby destination with many affordable flights, Singapore's biggest advantages are its accessibility, diverse entertainment options, museums, zoos, and Universal Studios. However, a major drawback is the high cost of living, comparable to Japan or Europe. Accommodation alone is expensive, especially if you don't want to stay in a dorm. A good suggestion is to consider Airbnb, as most rooms in Singapore are quite good and offer better value than hotels.
Malaysia:Malaysia is a very satisfying choice, given its reputation as a "national" destination, as it boasts diverse cultures and many places to visit. Penang or Langkawi are interesting options, but Kuala Lumpur alone is perfectly fine, as the city also offers plenty to explore, from the Thean Hou Temple and mosques to discovering street food. A huge plus is that the cost is significantly lower than Singapore.
Cambodia:Cambodia is the "national" destination that Cơ likes the most. Cơ has visited Cambodia 4 times for 3 main reasons:
- Low travel costs
- It's convenient to get around when you're in Saigon; you can just catch a bus and be there.
- It has excellent tourist services and incredibly delicious food.
If you don't like Phnom Penh or Siem Reap, you can visit Sihanoukville with Koh Rong and Koh Rong Samloem islands. But you absolutely must visit Angkor Wat at least once in your life, because it's much more magnificent and fascinating than you can imagine.
Nearby destinations that are often overlooked.
These destinations are also countries in Southeast Asia, easily accessible, but few friends choose to visit them because they might be a bit unfamiliar and are usually saved for later trips. This list is rather short because I wanted to write about Indonesia and Laos as well, but I haven't had the chance to visit Indonesia completely, so I won't suggest them there. I haven't had the chance to visit Laos yet, so I won't mention it either.
MyanmarMyanmar is a wonderful place for those seeking peace on their journey. Yangon, Bagan, and Mandalay are all stunning. The food is a major drawback, but the magnificent Buddhist structures, the tranquility of Bagan with its thousands of temples, and the friendly people are major advantages. Costs in Myanmar are relatively cheap, but locals tend to overcharge, so you should bargain, even when taking a taxi.
Philippines
The Philippines is the closest Southeast Asian country I've visited, having had the opportunity to travel through Manila, Cebu, and Bohol. The trip was short, but it was enough to show me that the Philippines is a worthwhile destination, especially now that there are many direct flights from Vietnam, making travel to the Philippines much easier. What I liked most about the Philippines were the impressive cultural dances, the crystal-clear seas, and the amazing scuba diving experience.
These are countries that everyone adores but never thought they could visit on their first overseas trip.
These are countries you might think you could never visit with a blank passport, but it's actually entirely possible. If you can, I recommend you try applying for visas to these countries to make your first trip memorable and a story you'll never tire of telling.
Hong KongThis is where Cơ began her journey of traveling to many countries. Upon arriving in this city, you'll be completely overwhelmed by scenes straight out of a TVB drama and a distinctly Hong Kong cultural atmosphere, far different from what you might expect. Some architecture might resemble District 5 or District 6 in Saigon, but this place has a completely unique atmosphere. And Hong Kong cuisine has also captured Cơ's heart. Currently, Hong Kong has restricted the number of independent tourist visa applications. If you want to visit Hong Kong, you'll have to consider booking a tour.
TaiwanTaiwan is my second favorite destination on this list of difficult-to-visit countries. But that doesn't mean getting a visa is hard. Taiwan is becoming more open than ever, and applying for a Taiwanese visa is easier. You just need to have all the required documents. The food, nature, people, and culture of Taiwan are already so famous, I don't need to introduce them any further, right?
Korea:It sounds unbelievable, but it's true. South Korea is a country that's open to you even if you travel with a blank passport. As long as you have all the necessary documents, getting a South Korean visa isn't a piece of cake. South Korea doesn't need any marketing; everyone knows how beautiful it is, from the cherry blossoms in spring to the golden and red leaves in autumn. If you're worried, you can use a visa service to ensure a 100% success rate. Better safe than sorry, right?
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